'Non-Buddhist religious groups reported an increase in discriminatory restrictions imposed by local government officials on religious minorities. This included a requirement that evangelical Christian churches register places of worship although no law or regulation specifically requires such registration.' The UK-based Minority Rights Group International (MRG), reported 60 instances of hate speech, acts of discrimination, or attempts to desecrate or destroy Muslim religious buildings in the first half of the year. But church leaders said that in land and property matters they faced opposition from local authorities and that the Ministry of Christian Religious Affairs had been of limited help only. Govt's StandOn September 12, President Sirisena had announced that 2017 would be dedicated to propagating a Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Source: bd News24 August 18, 2017 09:45 UTC